Jan
min : 15°C
max : 26°C
We Love —
- Driving through vast savannahs, along rugged coastal routes, and into vibrant cities—an unmissable journey through South Africa’s natural wonders.
- Wandering through Johannesburg's busy streets, marvelling at Durban’s stunning coastline, and uncovering Cape Town’s rich heritage.
- Tracking lions in the bush, spotting elephants by the waterhole, and feeling the thrill of a true African safari.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your itinerary in brief —
Embark on an unforgettable 11 night South African odyssey, from Johannesburg's vibrant streets to Kruger National Park's wildlife-rich landscapes. Wind through the misty peaks of Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route, then cross into the Kingdom of Eswatini for a taste of its rich cultural heritage. Cruise past hippos in St Lucia’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park before soaking up the golden beaches of Durban’s Indian Ocean coast. Finally, drive to Cape Town, where Table Mountain’s towering silhouette and the rugged beauty of the Cape Peninsula provide the perfect finale for this memorable road trip.
Your itinerary:
11 night road trip
Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg
Day 2: Johannesburg - Pretoria - Hoedspruit Region
Day 3: Hoedspruit Region - Panorama Route - Kruger Park Region
Day 4: Kruger Park Region
Day 5: Kruger Park Region - Swaziland
Day 6: Swaziland - Hluhluwe
Day 7: Hluhluwe - Saint Lucia - Hluhluwe
Day 8: Hluhluwe - Durban
Day 9: Durban - Cape Town
Day 10: Cape Town - Cape Peninsula
Day 11: Cape Town - Wine Route
Day 12: Depart Cape Town
The freedom to explore:
Discover our expertly curated self-guided tours, designed to offer the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. While our travel experts suggest itineraries to help you explore each destination in depth, you have the freedom to tailor activities and pace to suit your personal preferences. Rest assured, the carefully selected hotels will remain as listed, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience throughout your journey.
Please note that your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. You may park your car inside or outside the hotels (subject to availability). Additional charges may apply on-site.
Your itinerary in detail —
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN JOHANNESBURG
Welcome to Jo’burg, the beating heart of South Africa. After touching down at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll pick up your car hire. From here, take a scenic drive into the city centre—where colonial history meets modern energy. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore or unwind. For those keen to stretch their legs, a visit to Constitution Hill or the bustling Maboneng Precinct is a must. Rest up—your adventure is just beginning.
- Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport
- Pick up your car hire
- Check-in at your lodge
- Night at Melrose Place Guest Lodge
DAY 2: JOHANNESBURG - PRETORIA - HOEDSPRUIT REGION
Fuel up with breakfast before heading northeast into the heart of the country. En route, consider stopping in Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. Continue towards Hoedspruit, the gateway to Kruger’s untamed wilderness. Settle into your hotel and unwind for the evening.
- Breakfast included
- Depart to the Hoedspruit region
- En-route stop in Pretoria
- Night at Blyde River Canyon Lodge
DAY 3: HOEDSPRUIT REGION - PANORAMA ROUTE - KRUGER PARK REGION
In the morning, embark on one of South Africa’s most spectacular drives—the Panorama Route. After a lunch break, it’s time to travel deeper into the wild. Check-in at a lodge near Kruger National Park. As the sun dips low, set off on an exhilarating 4x4 safari, scanning the bush for elusive predators and majestic wildlife. Pause for a sundowner as the sky ignites in a fiery African sunset before returning to the lodge for a hearty dinner under the stars.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
- Visit the Blyde River Canyon
- Depart to Kruger Park region
- Afternoon 4x4 game drive
- Night at Mjejane River Lodge
DAY 4: KRUGER PARK REGION
Rise before the sun for an unforgettable day in the African wilderness. A light pre-dawn snack of tea, coffee, and traditional rusks fuels the early start before you set off on a thrilling 4x4 safari. As the first golden light filters through the bush, predators prowl after a night of hunting, and the Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo—roam the land.
Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, followed by free time to soak in the tranquillity of the bush. After a leisurely buffet lunch, relax with an afternoon coffee or tea in the lodge’s lounge before heading out on a second game drive, this time chasing the golden hour as the sun dips below the horizon. The day concludes with a memorable buffet dinner at the Boma—an atmospheric outdoor setting under the starlit sky (weather permitting). Fall asleep to the nocturnal sounds of the bush, immersed in nature.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
- Morning 4x4 game drive
- Afternoon 4x4 game drive
- Night at Mjejane River Lodge
DAY 5: KRUGER PARK REGION - SWAZILAND
One last morning safari at dawn offers another opportunity to witness the untamed drama of the wild before moving to the next step of the journey. Then, it’s time to cross into Swaziland—a nation steeped in tradition and cultural richness. After continue to your accommodation for a one-night stay, where you can enjoy an evening at your leisure.
- Breakfast included
- Morning 4x4 game drive
- Depart to Swaziland
- Night at Mantenga Lodge
DAY 6: SWAZILAND - HLUHLUWE
After breakfast, set off towards the lush hills of Zululand, with a few cultural stops along the way. Explore a local craft market, where vibrant Swazi handicrafts—from woven baskets to beadwork—fill the stalls. Continuing south, the landscape shifts as you approach Lake St. Lucia and its UNESCO-listed wetland park—a biodiversity haven where hippos, crocodiles, and a vast array of birdlife thrive.
Arrive at your lodge in Hluhluwe, where you’ll settle in for two nights. A delicious dinner awaits, marking the end of another extraordinary day on the road.
- Breakfast & dinner included
- Depart to Hluhluwe
- En route stop at a craft market with Swazi crafts
- Drive to the Zululand Hills then continue to Lake St. Lucia
- Night at Zulu Nyala Heritage
DAY 7: HLUHLUWE - SAINT LUCIA - HLUHLUWE
A relaxed atmosphere, seafood restaurants, and varied activities make St. Lucia a perfect stopover to discover another side of South Africa, between land and sea.
- Breakfast & dinner included
- Spend the day exploring St Lucia and it's heavenly beaches
- Night at Zulu Nyala Heritage
DAY 8: HLUHLUWE - DURBAN
After breakfast, the journey south continues towards Durban, a city where the rhythms of Africa meet the spices of the East. As the day winds down, check in to your hotel and take in the balmy coastal air.
- Breakfast included
- Depart to Durban
- Spend the rest of the day exploring Durban
- Night at Sica's Guest House
DAY 9: DURBAN - CAPE TOWN
Breakfast, then it’s time to head to the airport, drop off your car hire, and board your flight to Cape Town—the city where oceans collide and mountains touch the sky.
On arrival, pick up a new car hire and set off to explore the Cape’s dramatic landscapes and cosmopolitan charm. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the deep blue Atlantic, Cape Town is a city of contrasts, where vineyards roll into white-sand beaches and centuries-old history meets a cutting-edge culinary scene.
- Breakfast included
- Head to Durban Airport & drop off your car hire
- Domestic flight Durban - Cape Town
- Upon arrival, pick up your car hire
- Drive to Cape Town
- Ascent the Table Mountain to admire the stunning city and bay views
- Night at Cloud Nine Boutique Hotel
DAY 10: CAPE TOWN - CAPE PENINSULA
Wake up to the fresh ocean breeze and consider embarking on a stunning journey along the Cape Peninsula. Conclude the day back in Cape Town, reflecting on a journey through one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes.
- Breakfast included
- Spend the day exploring the region at your own pace, possibly visiting Cape Peninsula
- Night at Cloud Nine Boutique Hotel
DAY 11: CAPE TOWN - WINE ROUTE
Sip and savour your way through South Africa’s legendary Winelands, a picturesque region where vine-covered valleys are framed by dramatic mountain ranges.
- Breakfast included
- Depart to the Wine Route
- Night at Cloud Nine Boutique Hotel
DAY 12: DEPART CAPE TOWN
As your time in Cape Town comes to an end, head to the airport for your return flight—taking with you memories of windswept coastlines, and rolling vineyards.
- Breakfast included
- Drop off car hire
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels & lodges —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully selected 4* hotels & lodges.
4* hotels & lodges:
Johannesburg: Melrose Place Guest Lodge
Mpumalanga: Blyde River Canyon Lodge
Kruger Park region: Mjejane River Lodge
Swaziland: Mantenga Lodge
St Lucia: Zulu Nyala Heritage
Durban: Sica's Guest House
Cape Town: Cloud Nine Boutique Hotel
If the hotels & lodges listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodations in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
Throughout your tour, you will enjoy meals as per the itinerary.
Car hire: —
Enhance your journey with the convenience of car hire, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Optional excursions —
Half-day guided tour of Soweto
Walk in the footsteps of history as you explore the vibrant streets where Nelson Mandela once lived and visit the Hector Pieterson Museum, a powerful tribute to the fight against apartheid. Beyond the history, you’ll find a community brimming with energy, culture, and an indomitable spirit.
Practical information:
- Duration: Half-day tour
- Includes: English-speaking driver-guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Highlights: Nelson Mandela House Museum, Hector Pieterson Museum, key historic sites of Soweto
- Good to know: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring some cash if you'd like to support local businesses.
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2-hour cruise in St Lucia
Drift through the winding waterways of the Sainte Lucie wildlife reserve, where the lake and estuary teem with life. Keep your eyes peeled for basking crocodiles and pods of hippos, thriving in their protected habitat. With the tranquil scenery and rich biodiversity, this boat trip offers a front-row seat to South Africa’s wild side.
Your journey to South Africa —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Car hire:
This package includes car hire, granting you autonomy to explore new horizons at your own pace! Embrace spontaneity as you journey through diverse landscapes, whether it's a scenic coastal drive, an adventure through rugged mountains, or a leisurely tour of charming towns. Renting a car empowers you to tailor your road trip experience to your preferences, turning each twist and turn of the road into a thrilling adventure. Important information if you are planning to book your own flights: In order to organise the pick-up of your vehicle at the airport, please inform us of your flight times within 48 hours of your booking by filling in the dedicated form in your member account. Without this information, you will not be able to collect your vehicle.
Practical information:
Vehicle types & ACRISS classification:
- Group D (Automatic): Polo Vivo Tiptronic or similar (Max. capacity: 2 passengers)
- Group C (Manual) & Group E (Automatic): Corolla Quest or similar (Max. capacity: 3 passengers)
- Group L (Automatic): Haval Jolion or similar (Max. capacity: 4 passengers)
- Group P (Automatic): Hyundai Staria or similar (Max. capacity: 7 passengers)
Driver age requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Drivers aged 18-22 will incur a young driver supplement of R175 per day, payable directly to the rental agency
Driving licence validity:
- Licences must be valid for the entire rental duration. Expired licences are not accepted
- International visitors must present their passport and an international driving licence
- Licences in English with a photograph are accepted. If in another language, an official translation or international driving permit is required
Required documents:
- Credit card (driver’s name must match the cardholder’s name)
- Passport
- Driving licence
Payment & deposit:
- Accepted credit cards: American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard (in the driver’s name)
- Debit cards are not accepted
Pick-up & drop-off information:
- Vehicle must be inspected at pick-up and returned in the same condition
- Meeting Point: Bluu rental agency at the airport
Operating hours:
- Durban & Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airports:6am - 10 pm
- Cape Town Airport: 24 hours a day
Fuel policy:
- Fuel is not included. Vehicles must be returned with the same fuel level as at pick-up. Refuelling fees apply if not
Mileage:
- Unlimited mileage included
Insurance coverage:
- Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW)
- Theft Protection (STLW)
- Tyre Coverage (TYR)
- Glass Breakage Cover (WIN)
Additional charges:
- Additional driver: R570 per driver, per rental
- Baby/Child/Booster seat: R570 per seat, per rental
- GPS: R150 per day (R1000 deposit required)
- Cross-border fee to Eswatini: R1 500
- Out-of-town return fee (JNB-DUR): R1 750
Accessibility:
- Limited accessibility for people with disabilities. No ramp is available. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in the boot.
General T&C:
- Payment: Due 15 days after check-out or on the 1st and 15th of the month.
- Cancellation charges:
- 30% between 30-15 days before arrival
- 50% between 16-8 days before arrival
- 75% from 7 days before arrival
- 100% from 6 days before arrival
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Your destination —
South Africa
Discover South Africa, a captivating destination bordered by two oceans and renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. From majestic mountains and vibrant cities to serene beaches and charming villages, this diverse country offers a wealth of experiences for every traveller.
Must-sees:
- Table Mountain: Iconic for its flat-topped silhouette, this natural wonder provides panoramic views of Cape Town.
- Kruger National Park: One of Africa's largest game reserves, it is celebrated for its rich wildlife and exceptional safari opportunities.
- The Garden Route: A scenic coastal drive featuring stunning landscapes, quaint towns, and diverse ecosystems.
Culinary culture:
South Africa’s culinary culture reflects its rich heritage, offering a delightful blend of flavours. Indulge in traditional dishes such as bobotie (a spiced meat dish), braai (barbecue), and biltong (cured meat), paired with exquisite local wines from the Stellenbosch region.
Dive deeper:
To gain a deeper understanding of the country’s culture, explore the vibrant art scene in Johannesburg or visit the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Engage with local communities to discover traditional crafts, music, and dance that highlight South Africa's diverse cultural tapestry.
Good to know:
- The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). The best time to visit varies by region, but the dry winter months (May to September) offer excellent game viewing.
- Cape Town's Wine Route includes Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, renowned for world-class wineries, picturesque vineyards, and Cape Dutch architecture.
- In contrast, South Africa's Garden Route is a scenic coastline from Mossel Bay to Storms River, featuring diverse landscapes of beaches, forests, and mountains, along with charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
